For the most part, Xerox argues, the current crop of image classification algorithms have focused on recognizing and tagging certain objects in images. Finding images that are pleasing to the eye, though, necessitates a very different approach. According to Xerox, “this new prototype demo tackles the difficult task of trying to learn what makes an image special and unique. For example, good beach photos are often characterized by silky waves obtained by a long camera exposure.”

For now, the technology seems to have a bit of a fetish for black-and-white images and of course it doesn’t exactly prefer those family snapshots that may not be highly aesthetic but capture some of the more important moments in life. In return, though, this algorithm could help you to finally sort those 3,000 pictures you took during your last vacation…